1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE trunk

Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Buick, and information on starting, shifting
and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working
properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-2
2-4
2-8
2- 14
2-15 2-16
2- 17
2-
19
2-20
2-2 1
2-22
2-23
2-27
2-28
2-30
2-3
1
Keys
Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry System
TrUnk
Theft
Content Theft Deterrent
PASS-Key@
III
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions
Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK
(P)
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Parking Over Things That
Burn
2-3 1
2-32
2-33
2-34
2-34
2-44
2-46
2-50
2-55
2-64
2-64
2-68
2-73
2-82
2-84 Engine Exhaust
Running
Your Engine While You’re Parked
Windows
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Astroroof
Universal Transmitter
Instrument Panel
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
Head-Up Display (HUD)
Driver Information Center (DIC)
2-1
ProCarManuals.com

The master key is used
for the ignition, as well
as all door
locks and
storage compartments.
Ill The valet key is used for the
ignition and the two side
doors only.
It will not open
the trunk or glove box.
This
is a theft-deterrent feature. When
a new Park Avenue is delivered, the dealer
removes the plugs from the keys, and gives them to the
first owner. However, if the ignition key does not have a
plug, there may be
a bar-coded key tag instead.
Each plug has a code on
it that tells your dealer or a
qualified locksmith
how to make extra keys. Keep the
plugs in a safe place.
If you lose your keys, you’ll be
able to have new ones made easily using these plugs
or
the tag. If your ignition keys don’t have plugs, go to
your Buick dealer for the correct key code if you need a
new ignition key.
NOTICE:
Your Buick has a number of features that can
help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle
if you ever lock
your keys inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in.
So be sure you have
extra keys.
2-3
ProCarManuals.com

Lockout Protection
The power door locks will not work if the key is left in
the ignition, the ignition is turned to OFF and the
driver's door is open.
You can override this feature
by holding the power door lock switch for more than
three seconds.
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your
door and set the locks from inside, then get out and close
the door.
Remote Keyless Entry System
With the remote keyless entry system, you can lock
and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from about
3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote
keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Your
remote keyless
entry system operates
on a radio frequency
subject to Federal
Comunications
Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry and Science Canada.
This device complies with Part
15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry and
Science Canada. Operation is subject
to the following
two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may
'
cause undesired operation of the device.
2-8
ProCarManuals.com

This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to
30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in
range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry
system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have
to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to
work, try this:
0
0
0
0
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See the instructions that follow.
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
If you’re still having trouble, see your Buick dealer
or a qualified technician for service.
Changes
or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
Operation
The driver’s door will unlock when UNLOCK is
pressed. If pressed again within five seconds, all doors
will unlock. Pressing any button will also illuminate the
interior lamps (see “Illuminated Entry”
in the Index).
All doors will lock when LOCK
is pressed.
The trunk will unlock when the trunk button is pressed,
and the ignition is in LOCK or
OFF. The trunk button
will also work when the ignition is on, but only while in
PARK (P).
Instant Alarm
When the button with the horn symbol on the remote
keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound
and the headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to
30 seconds. This can be turned off by pressing the
instant alarm button again or by turning the ignition on.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Content
Theft-Deterrent feature, you may also turn
off the
instant alarm by unlocking the vehicle with a key.
2-9
ProCarManuals.com

Security Feedback
This provides feedback to the driver when the vehicle
receives a command from the remote keyless entry
transmitter. The following modes may be selected:
Mode
0
1
2
3
4
5
Security Feedback
No feedback when locking or
unlocking vehicle.
No feedback when locking; exterior
lamps flash when unlocking vehicle.
Exterior lamps flash when locking; no
feedback when unlocking vehicle.
Exterior lamps flash when locking and
when unlocking vehicle.
Exterior lamps flash and horn chirps
when locking; no feedback when
unlocking vehicle.
Exterior lamps flash and horn chirps
when locking; exterior lamps flash when
unlocking vehicle. Vehicles
are delivered programmed in Mode
5; however,
each remote keyless entry transmitter can be
programmed to
a different mode according to the user’s
preference.
To change to another mode:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Press and hold the power door lock switch on the
door throughout the procedure.
Press the trunk button on the transmitter.
The horn
will chirp and the transmitter will remain in its
current mode.
Press the trunk button again. Each time the trunk
button is pressed, the horn will chirp and the
transmitter will advance to the next mode.
Release the power door lock switch.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you can also program these features
through the DIC. See “Driver Information Center” in
the Index.
Delayed Locking
Note: This feature has been activated for your vehicle;
however, each transmitter must be turned on using the
following procedure.
2-11
ProCarManuals.com

Trunk
Trunk Lock Release
To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the master
doorhgnition key and turn it.
Remote Trunk Release
Press the TRUNK release button located to the left of
the steering column to release the trunk lid.
The trunk will open if the transaxle
is in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) and the trunk release lockout
is in the
unlocked position.
Remote Trunk Release Lockout
The remote trunk release lockout button allows you to
secure items in the trunk.
Insert the ignition key into
the trunk release button.
Turn the key one-quarter
of
a turn clockwise then
remove it from the button.
This will disable the trunk release button from opening
the trunk. The remote keyless entry transmitter can still
be used to open the trunk.
Trunk Security Override
The remote keyless entry transmitter will open the trunk
when the ignition is on or off and the vehicle
is in
PARK, even if the trunk release lockout is activated.
I
2-14
ProCarManuals.com

It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide
(CO) gas can
come into your vehicle.
You can’t see or smell
CO.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:
0 Make sure all windows are shut.
0 Tbrn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on any airflow selection except RECIRC.
That will force outside
air into your vehicle.
See “Comfort Controls’’ in the Index.
0 If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See “Engine Exhaust’’ in the Index.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your Buick has a number
of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing
we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don’t do it.
With the ignition
off and the driver’s door open, you’ll
hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your
ignition and transaxle will be locked. And remember to
lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out
of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
2-15
ProCarManuals.com

Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s best to lock
it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if
you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk
or glove box.
Lock the glove box.
Lock all doors except the driver’s.
0 Give the valet key to the valet. Then take the master
key and remote keyless entry transmitter with you.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your Buick is equipped
with a Content
Theft-Deterrent alarm system. With this system,
the SECURITY light will
SECURITY flash as you open the door
(if your ignition is off). This light
reminds
you to activate the theft-deterrent
system.
Were’s how to do it:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the
Remote Keyless Entry transmitter. The SECURITY
light should come on and stay on.
3. Close all doors. The SECURITY light should go off
after approximately
30 seconds. The alarm is not
armed until the SECURITY light goes off.
If a door is opened without the key or the remote keyless
entry transmitter, the
alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s
lamps will flash and the horn will sound for
30 seconds,
then will
turn off to save battery power.
Remember, the theft-deterrent system won’t activate if
you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door
lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock
switch with the door open, or with the remote keyless
entry transmitter. You should also remember that you
can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if
the alarm has been set off.
2-16
ProCarManuals.com